Culture of Ukraine

Ukraine:-

      Ukraine is a  nation in eastern Europe, and the second biggest nation in Europe after Russia. Ukraine is verged on the west by Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary; on the southwest by Romania and Moldova; on the south by the Black Sea and Sea of Azov; on the east and upper east by Russia; and on the north by Belarus. The capital and biggest city is Kyiv.

Languages  in  Ukraine:-

       Ukrainian  is  the  official  language  of  Ukraine. Ukrainian  is  an  East  Slavic  language. 67.5%  of  Ukraine's  population  speaks  Ukrainian and  remaining  29.6%  of  people  speaks  Russian.

Traditional  Dressing:-

       The  most  popular  Ukrainian  national  outfit  is "Vyshyvanka". On third  Thursday of  May ,they  celebrate Vyshyvanka Day  which is  intended  to  unite  all  the  Ukrainians  all over  the  world. Traditional  Dresses  for  married  women  are  Kozushanka, Ochiok  and  for  unmarried girls traditional  dresses  are  Ukranian  wreath. Kozhuk, Kontusz,  Zupan and Sharnvary are the traditioanal wear fo  Men.   Pieces of clothing are made utilizing elaborate basic plan,weaving systems, broad weaving, and cutwork embroidery.

Festivals  celebrated  in  Ukraine:-

Christmas:-
      It is celebrated on the 6th of January. Both adults and children look forward for Christmas celebrations. It brings a lot of joy, fun, calm, peace and hope for a better future. Traditional Orthodox Christmas dish is kutia. It should be in the middle of the table among 11 courses of dishes. Everybody  prepares  atleast  12  dishes  for  holly supper.

 New Year:-
        It is  the  most  important  event  of  Ukraine  and  they  celebrate it, as  equally  as  Christmas .People  raise  a  toast  and  congratulate  each other  as  they  enter  into  New Year.
Victory Day:-
        May  9th  is  celebrated  as  Victory  Day. people  decorate  their  streets  and  houses  with  balloons  and  flowers. It  is  celebrate  to  honor  the  memory  of  Great  Ptriotic  War.
Easter:-
           It is  the  most  celebrated  festival  in  Ukraine. As  this  festival  does.'t  have  a  particular  date  to  celebrate, but  it  would  be  celebrated  on  sunday. All  the  members  of  the  family  gather around  easter  table, it  means  they  believe  that  family  will  stay  together  for  the  whole  year.   

Gift Giving  Etiquette:-

• People  exchange  gifts  mainly   on  the  occasion  of  birthdays  and  on  Orthodox  Christmas.
• Yellow  flowers  should  not  be  given  as  gifts  and  only  odd  number  of  flowers  should be  given  as  gifts.
• As  the  exchange  of  gifts  symbolises  friendship,  they  need  not  be  expensive.
• when  an  Ukrainian  invites  for  a  meal, it  would  be  polite  to  bring  cake,  flowers  or  a  bottle  of  liquor  as  a  gift.

Dining  Etiquette:-

• Table  manners  are  continental i.e.,holding  the  knife  in  the  right  hand  and  fork  in  the  left  hand.
• should  not  start  eating  until  the  host  invites  to  start.
• while eating,  hands  should  always  be  kept  visible  and   the  wrists  should  be  kept  on  the  edge  of  the  table.
• Always  the  oldest  or  most  honoured  guest  will  be   served  first.
• offering  any  dish  which  is  offered  by  the  host  indicates  rude  behaviour.